Promises...

I am an Eric Clapton fan. My awesome son bought me a CD for Christmas. One particular song has had me thinking for a few days...Promises

"We made a vow we'd always be friends...How could we know that promises end".

I never really thought of promises coming with an expiration date. We don't say I promise...until? Do we? Well maybe one time...

Riding today gave me time to ponder those words and answer my own question. How many promises have I made with no intent on an expiration only to have them expire?

My marriage was a HUGE promise. It expired. We are still friends and will be til death us do part; unless it expires. Who decides when a promise expires?

Yesterday one of my dearest guy friends from high school messaged me. We talked about life, family, and kids. When we ended the conversation he said, "You know you can tell me anything and I will take it to my grave." I too feel the same way with him. We have been friends since 8th grade. He was the "bad ass" that was always getting called to the office. I was the admirer from afar. Today he is one of my dearest friends and I do belive that the "secrets" we share will go to our grave. Unless our promise expires.

Maybe we should stamp an expiration on promises. Promise...Exp 2014/1... I was cleaning out some nightstand drawers, they collect so many items...old playbills, manufactured cards from the kids, photos, and some books...within one book was a birthday card and Valentines day card from my last long term, RICHARD. In the card he wrote that he loved me more and more each day and always would. We lived together for almost a year. Then one day I can home and he was gone. Love...Exp 2012/11.

Love with RICHARD turned into, "I will always love you. We just need to be friends." Well, months later and no communication it appears that both Love and Friendship...Exp 2013/12.

I didn't know that when RICHARD walked out that my world would open to a new adventure. That someone would come along that likes me for me. That is so unselfish. That does not require constant reassurance. That brings out the best in me. Keeps me smiling. Supports me in my crazy writing, thinking and life adventure. That gives me the glimpse into his life through his writing, hot tub conversations, and the occassional phone conversation. A friendship that is growing. I don't want this one to have an expiration. Friendship...Exp upon death or dementia (I will still read his writings to him to help him remember.).

So, when you make promises consider the time frame on the promise. Is it for death us do part, to the grave or always? Be prepared that you may not decide the timeframe. Consider stamping the promise...Exp ????/TBD.

Lesson Learned: Promises do end; be prepared to have them out date.